Fool Creek Fire Grows Slowly
Incident: Fool Creek Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/10/2007
Punky Moore Phone: 406-466-3560 or 406-466-2524
Mike Munoz Phone: 406-466-5341 (Rocky Mountain RD Office)
Current size: Approximately 3850 acres
Management and Status: A Northern Rockies Fire Use Management Team, in cooperation with Rocky Mountain Ranger District and Flathead National Forest personnel, is implementing a short term Management plan and working on a long term management plan for the Fool Creek Fire. The plan will guide management actions throughout the duration of the incident.
Managers are continuing to assess firefighter and public safety and risks to resources and values, such as potential threats to structures or important recreation sites in order to develop this plan. Management actions are identified in the plan that will be taken when fire reaches pre-determined areas. Managers will also evaluate the benefits of fire, such as improving habitat and creating fuel breaks that will moderate future fire behavior, and will document those in the long-term plan.
Personnel/Resources on the Fire: The Lewis and Clark Fire Use Module (FUM) (a 6-person crew with specialized training in on-site management of wildland fire use) is gathering key information on fuels and fire behavior that will assist managers in long-term planning. The FUM crew and a trail crew are working from the Wrong Creek Cabin, clearing trail to the south, and completing fuel reduction using cross cut saws to protect two stock bridges. Personnel are staged at Gooseberry Cabin on the Flathead NF, performing trail work and providing information to the public regarding access and recreation opportunities. Another group is implementing structure protection at Sabido Cabin, also on the Flathead NF. Three helicopters will be transporting crews and equipment, assisting with reconnaissance and dropping water on the south and east of the fire. A total of 41 people are assigned to the fire, including the Fire Use Management Team and District personnel coordinating with the Team.
Activity: Fire activity was minimal on Monday; however, sudden north winds at 30-60 mph with gusts to 80 mph in the Choteau area resulted in Wrong Creek cabin personnel moving to a safe location. These winds did not reach the fire.
Weather Forecast: Tuesday's light winds with slightly cooler temperatures, in the low 70's should limit significant fire activity. Wednesday will be sunny with temperatures predicted to be 70-80. The long range outlook is for steadily warming and drying which could promote significant fire growth similar to last week.
Special Concerns: Strict protocols are being followed to minimize the risk of introducing nuisance species such as noxious weeds and aquatic diseases as a result of fire management operations. Safety of personnel due to extreme burning conditions exhibited on fires across the region.
Restrictions & Closures: Several trails have been closed for public safety in the fire area. The need for future closures in the fire area is being evaluated. For trail closure informationrefer to the Flathead National Forest website (http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead) or contact the Rocky Mountain Ranger District Office (406) 466-5341 or the Spotted Bear Ranger District Office (406)758-5376.
